Blender Reviews: Blendtec vs. Vitamix (& Others)

Katie Wells Avatar

Reading Time: 5 minutes

This post contains affiliate links.

Read my affiliate policy.

Blender Reviews: Blendtec vs. vitamix
Wellness Mama » Blog » Reviews » Blender Reviews: Blendtec vs. Vitamix (& Others)

Over the years, we’ve used a lot of different blenders and I’ve written several blender reviews. Cooking from scratch three times a day for eight people gives me a LOT of time to test out blenders while making sauces, smoothies and more. My favorite blender has changed a few times over the years so I figured an updated review was in order!

What to Look For in a Quality Blender

A good blender can last years, so it is worth doing some research before purchasing one!

Before deciding which blender will work for you, consider how often you’ll be using it, how big it needs to be and your budget. I also looked at the warranty length of each blender and how well it could fit in a cabinet or under a counter.

Based on these criteria, I’m sharing my favorite blenders that we’ve used over the years and why. These are our favorites in each category: high-powered, budget-friendly, easiest for kids, and immersion.

Best High Speed Blender

High speed blenders are all the rage. With the continued popularity of smoothies in recent years, these blenders have become the most-used kitchen appliances in many kitchens. We’ve personally tried several different iterations of the top two contenders: Blendtec and Vitamix and while they are both amazing, I think we will stick with our current favorite for many, many years…

My Top Choice: Vitamix 750 Professional Series

We have this brushed stainless steel Vitamix 750 Professional and I love it! It has a 2.2 horsepower motor and blends quickly and completely.

The biggest (and possibly only) downside to this blender? The price.

Most people won’t want to drop $600+ on a blender and there are some less expensive options (see below) that work almost as well. We opted for this one because it is professional grade and our blender gets a lot of daily use making nut butters, smoothies and even soups.

Our very first Vitamix was a refurbished 5200 that we saved up for months and months to get as newlyweds. It was such an improvement over our $30 wedding gift blender and we used it for many years. The only downside was that it didn’t fit well under the cabinet on the counter and the jar was too big to fit in any of our kitchen cabinets. This meant that with very limited counter space, it was always in the middle of the counter in two pieces and in the way. We used that blender daily for over five years and it was still running like a champ when we passed it on to a family member.

The newer professional series fixes this with a shorter design and is our daily blender now. In fact, we now store ours in a kitchen cabinet so it isn’t on the counter at all!

Vitamix Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • BPA free carafe
  • 2.2 horsepower motor
  • Spill-proof lid
  • New models fit under counter or store in cabinet
  • Four blades for faster blending
  • Choice of many restaurants and bars for its consistent and resilient performance
  • “Self Cleaning”- if you put soapy water in it, it will clean itself and just needs to be rinsed

Cons:

  • Pricy
  • Loud (due to the powerful motor, though this is true with all high-speed blenders)
  • Not dishwasher safe

Blendtec vs. Vitamix

Blendtec Review- Blendtec vs Vitamix

A few years ago, I had the chance to use a Blendtec for a while. Blendtec is another great option with comparable engine speed and performance. At the time, I liked that the Blendtec was shorter and easier to store, though as mentioned, that has been resolved with newer Vitamix models.

Both have good warranties, BPA free carafes, and are a great choice as a home blender. The reason that the new Vitamix still wins in my book is that the lid has a latch system that stays on (we had a couple accidents with the Blendtec) and the Vitamix has a manual control system vs. the computerized Blendtec system. Also, Vitamix has 4 blades to Blendtec’s two.

So Vitmix wins, though Blendtec is a great runner-up.

More Budget Friendly Vitamix

We have the top of the line Professional Series Vitamix but there are other great models that cost about half the price.

Best choice: The Certified Refurbished Vitamix 5300 still fits under the cabinet on a counter, has a long-lasting powerful motor, and is about half the price of the professional series.

Best Budget Friendly Blender

If a restaurant-grade high speed blender isn’t in the budget, there are some lower-priced options that perform almost as well! In fact, looking back, these would have been a great choice instead of the Vitamix when our budget was much tighter several years ago.

Top Choice: Ninja Pro

The Ninja Professional Blender is a great value and a great blender. It has close to the power of a true high speed blender and can do many of the same things at a fraction of the price.

We got to try this one at a rental house while on vacation. I was impressed with the power of the Ninja, and at under $100 it is a much less costly alternative to the two big brands. The Ninja doesn’t quite measure up to the power of the Vitamix but it can accomplish almost all of the same functions and has great reviews.

Easiest Blender for Kids

My older kids easily work most kitchen appliances and can even safely handle a chef’s knife (thanks to the Kids Cook Real Food course), but high speed blenders are not a toy, and I don’t let our younger kids use ours. It’s too easy (even for an adult) to leave a spoon in and blow out the motor or not latch the top and paint the kitchen. (I’m guilty of that one!)

A while back, we got a Magic Bullet as a gift. I almost didn’t take it out of the box because we use our Vitamix for everything, but I wondered if it would be a good option for the kids and decided to try it because it doesn’t take up much room.

I found that the size and speed are great for kids to make individual smoothies as long as they know the proportions and not to overfill. It was also convenient for chopping foods and making things like guacamole.

I wouldn’t consider it comparable to the options above and wouldn’t have purchased it, but it has been a convenient and inexpensive option to let the kids use.

Best Immersion Blender

I could write an ode to my immersion blender because I use it so often. We had a Cuisinart immersion blender for almost a decade and when it eventually died, we replaced it with the Oxa 4-in-1 Immersion Blender and we absolutely love it!

Immersion blenders are fantastic when you don’t need the power (or cleanup) of a high speed blender. I also use this all the time for blending soups and sauces in the pan without having to risk transferring them to a blender. Since the immersion blender is stainless steel, this also minimizes plastic touching hot foods.

As a bonus, the OXA has attachments that whisk and that chop (great for onions without the tears). Personally, I consider both a regular high speed blender and an immersion blender to be necessary kitchen tools since I use them in such different ways.

There are lots of options available when it comes to blenders, but these are my personal favorites and have met the needs of our family.

What is your favorite blender? Do you agree with my blender reviews? Share below!

Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

114 responses to “Blender Reviews: Blendtec vs. Vitamix (& Others)”

  1. Jim Avatar

    Thanks for the review Katie! We had our old Vitamix for 8 years. When it finally died on us, we bought a new one from Costco in March. It didn’t seem quite as powerful, but we didn’t think much of it.

    After reading your review, we decided to try the Blendtec, buying it too at Costco ($299). Wow, not only is it more powerful, but it’s much easier to get stuff out of, and to clean. We returned the Vitamix (thanks for the awesome return policy Costco!) and use our Blendtec every day.

  2. Maja Avatar

    I really want to invest in a high speed blender but I am just wondering how they compare to a food processor. Do you still use both or only the blender?? Currently I use a cheap blender for smoothies (not getting them smooth enough) and my food processor for pesto, hummus, cookie and cake dough. I would love to only have one appliance as our cupboard space is limited. Do you use a food processor?

    1. Kathi Petersen Avatar
      Kathi Petersen

      I use a combination too, the Vitamix and a Cuisinart Food Processor … The Vitamix doesn’t take the place of the food processor …

    2. Janet Avatar

      I have the Ninja from Costco that comes with both a blender container and blades and a food processor container and blades. Washing the blades was scary at first, but using a long-handled brush and the sprayer from the sink makes clean up a breeze (or just put them safely in the dishwasher).

  3. Jamie Avatar

    We have a Blendtec and you’re right- it’s amazing. I hate that they’re so expensive, but they do EVERYTHING. It will even grind wheat/rice/other grains into a fine flour. And SO user friendly! And as a couple people mentioned, they have Blendtecs @ Sams Club & I think Costco!

  4. Adrienne Avatar
    Adrienne

    Costco has great deals for a Blendtecs too! If you can’t get it at Costco then I recommend a refurbish.

  5. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Okay, a few things. Costco sells Vitamix and BlendTec. The day we bought our BlendTec, I called two different local stores and one was selling V the other the B the same day. Also, if they are not there or on special, call and ask when they will be or be patient. One of them is always there, I swear.
    Another thing is, while I chose BlendTec (they are a company local to me and I ended up choosing them for that as well as the fact that B won a court case against V for technology something or other), I am confident that once you get the hang of it, either one will be better than anything else you have ever had.
    I have used my blender several times a day before. Some days I do not touch it, others I use it all the time. It has 1293 programmed uses and countless other pulses!!!
    I have made almond butter, whole wheat pancakes using wheat berries (not flour!), peanut butter, hummus, a zillion smoothies or protein shakes, a couple of drinks I was supposed to JUICE (they were absolutely disgusting lol–juiced is much better), bean flour, oat flour, ran out of ground mustard so ground the seeds lol, soups, syrups, etc. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it.
    I am serious, if my house was on fire, it would be one of the first non-picture related things I grabbed lol (and I have had to evacuate before).
    Some things you make require patience, but they are worth it (I think pb took like 4 blendings).
    To clean it, I know you can add the stuff and blend it, I just use my sprayer from my faucet. I usually only do that, unless I use eggs or something.
    I actually JUST finished making paleo mayo (not this one cause I am out of eggs!) when I got sidetracked by this post.
    I am not a hater of Vitamix, I am simply a huge LOVER of my Blendtec 🙂

    1. Heather Avatar
      Heather

      OH! I also would like to add- not sure if it was just then, but if you buy from Costco, the warranty is TEN years :). At least that is what mine is!

  6. James Avatar

    This would be a better comparison if you had the new Vitamix 750 pro. It has a wider shorter vessel, stronger engine and computerized or manual dial…depending on how you want to use it. I use both Blentec and Vitamix daily at the raw culinary institute where I teach. I see advantages to both depending upon what I am making. At school I only have the classic Vitamix and the Blentec. At home, however, I use only the Vitamix 750 pro and I think it outperforms both. It even has self-cleaning. The vessel is redesigned to be wider at the base and it is very easy to remove thick batters without ruining the rubber spatula (one thing that bugged me about the old Vitamix models). I suggest anyone seriously consider this model when checking out high performance blenders.

  7. Anne Avatar

    An iPhone??? Oh my stars.

    I’m in the market for a spendy blender with an awesome warranty, and this review is appreciated and very well-timed. Thanks, Katie!

  8. Lena Avatar

    For those of you that don’t want plastic I recommend a Thermomix (stain steel cup) that actually has a heating element so you can cook food, not just making soups. Maybe a but more expensive but YOU CAN COOK!!!! I make at the same time in my Thermomix quinoa, chicken and veggies!!!!

  9. DeeToo Avatar

    I have a short wide vitamix that fits under the counter. I have been really happy with it and customer service…so I don’t think you can count the model type you have against vitamix, if you didn’t compare to one that was similiar. Also had a handme down stainless steel vitamix from my mom….so they can last forever! I had one question, is the Blendtec glass or plastic?

    1. Heather Avatar
      Heather

      It is not glass, thank goodness. I know people are anti plastic, and I do not know the actual material, but if I had glass, I would cry since I have dropped my container a few times!

    2. Cheryl Avatar

      Currently the Blendtec at Costco is touting that it is BPA free… but as someone has said, who knows what they put in the plastic in place of it. 🙂

  10. Cyndi Avatar

    I’ve always loved the Blend-Tec & the style of it. I never liked the Vitamix because you have to hand mix it with that extra tool (hand mixer utensil), it seemed like extra work that I didn’t want to have to do: The machine should do all the work for you. Besides I’m on the short side (5 ft) & didn’t want to have to stand on a stool to have better access to have to mess with the vitamix. Over all: I think BlendTec is best & love the easy clean up & the fact that I can let it run & not worry abt it til it is done. I love it that it is light weight & I can move it easily to a different area of the counter if I want to.

    When I was @ Costco with a friend, someone who was there making smoothies in promotion for Vitamix said that while Blend Tec can do all the things that Vitamix can, he said that Vitamix doesn’t cover their machine if you use ice & make sauces with your machine (it isn’t covered under warrenty. I do not know this for a fact, nor have I called Blendtec to see if this is true or not. I’m thinking this guy just didn’t like it, because I was talking so highly abt Blendtec & how I didn’t have to blend it manually with an automatic blender. However, I do not know all the facts, for I didn’t look into the warrenty of the blendtec. I just remembered, he said the heating element over heats while making sauses & that that is not covered under warrenty. Though, I would be interested in these facts, if you wanted to look into it.

    Ironically, my friend has Vitamix & I have Blentec & we both love our machines.

    Thx…….!! I look forward to your hopeful reply!!
    Cyndi

  11. Gitta Avatar

    I have been a huge fan of BLENTEC since 8 plus years and whenever I use a Vitamix at a friends place, I much miss my blendtec. I have bought man blendtecs as gifts for my family, actually worldwide! and no one has ever had a complain with Blendtec. I am moving overseas again and need to buy another Blender uppon arrivial, so happy that again I can choose a Blendtec over a Vitamix! Its easy to see that I am one of the biggest Blendtec fanson the planet 🙂 I use it EVERY DAY and I have had ZERO complains with it. And yes, it IT a bit loud 🙂

  12. Eric in Minneapolis Avatar
    Eric in Minneapolis

    I have several friends with Vitamix blenders and they all love them. I’ve owned a Blendtec for 7 years and wouldn’t change for the world. I don’t think you could be disappointed in either blender. I had an Oster and I burnt the motor out trying to make green smoothies. I bought mine on eBay but it was a certified refurbished model.

  13. Malori Mayor Avatar
    Malori Mayor

    I’ve used a Vitamix (my mom’s) for the past few years while living at home, and it was great! But then my mom bought a Blendtec for my wedding present, and I am definitely more biased toward Blendtec now. I like the design better (easier to clean, shorter) and the preset buttons. But they are both fabulous products!

  14. Rebekah Avatar
    Rebekah

    I love my Blendtec. As another commenter mentioned, it does not do well with really small amounts (less than half a cup). However, it is fantastic for smoothies, soups, sauces… all the things I wanted to use it for! I love the wide, square base and the blunt blades. I feel much more confident cleaning it because I don’t have to watch out for cutting myself on the blades. 🙂

  15. Kathryn Avatar
    Kathryn

    I was lucky enough to be able to test out my mother in laws vitamix and my brother’s blendtec. I knew right away I wanted a blendtec. Costco has them on sale around Christmas so I got mine for a great price. I use it every day, multiple times a day. Absolutely love it. I also think the blendtec is easier to get everything out with a spatula vs the vitamix that has so many ridges in the container.

  16. Chelsea Avatar
    Chelsea

    I have had a Vitamix for 13 years and have LOVED it! It just broke and I seem to be having a hard time finding parts for it, so I have been contemplating getting a new one. I think it would be great to have one that fits under the cabinets so I have thought about getting a Blendtec, but I have used my mom’s and I am not so sure about it. The biggest thing that I haven’t liked is that when I have done hot things the pressure gets too built up and the lid has popped off and stuff got everywhere! This has happened more that once. When I do hot stuff in my Vita Mix the lid stays on so tight and has good enough venting that it works like a charm. Could you tell me if you have done hot stuff with it yet and what your experience has been?

  17. Beth Avatar

    I too refused to make such a purchase without extensive research, and I learned that in the (made-up by me) Bang for Your Buck category, Vitamix and Blendtec were the best options. The less expensive blender models, while garnering good results out of the gate, tended to have much shorter shelf lives and have mechanical problems much earlier. I bought a Vitamix, which I love, and I am fine with storing the blender cup next to the base on my limited counter space. My mom has the Blendtec so she and I compare notes often; it seems we are both happy with our purchases and find very little lacking with either. As to the plastic blender cups, I learned that they are much safer and don’t pose the same risk of cracking when heated as a glass one does. With so many folks, me included, making hot soups, I feel better about using plastic than risking a glass explosion. Bottom line, both the big boys are worth the cost in my opinion, so just account for the minor issues each seems to have.

  18. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    I have had my blendtec for a couple years, but have always wondered if a vitamix is better. Great post! Thanks for the info 🙂

  19. Jos Avatar

    Was honestly a bit disappointed in my refurbished Blendtec. It DOES NOT blend small quantities, leaving whole cloves of garlic in sauces, though I ran several cycles. Also doesn’t work on low water mixes, like a date paste I tried to make.

    I have to use my cuisinart for sauces and pastes, despite having dropped $300 on this blender.

  20. Terry Avatar

    I am TOTALLY opposed to using any product that markets itself as “healh promoting” and then uses PLASTIC. Why would you spend good money on clean food and then process it in ANYTHING that is not either glass or stainless??? I think a cheap Oster would do me fine, and no possibilty of chemicals leaching from plastic. My daughter has had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma which is directly linked to toxic chemical exposure. BlendTec? Vitamix? No thanks. Not even a free one!

    1. Kathi Petersen Avatar
      Kathi Petersen

      I know some people who have the Breville blender with the glass jar, that seems to be a nice product. I agree, I’m not interested in a plastic jarred blender.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *